Shank stiffener



Nov. 6 1923.

Filed March 22 INVENTOR l atented Nov. b, i923.

tease user easiest ADAM REED, 0F YAKIEQA, WASHING-TON.

SHANE STIFBENER.

Application filed Heron provements in Shank Stiifeners, of which thefollowing is a specification,

present invention pertains to arch supp rts movable steei support to besecured to the shank the inner of a shoe whereby collapsing of theshank, especially those used in connection with ladies high Heels isoffectually prevented.

Ilse invention further contemplates the provision in a shoe of an impoved movable steel shank through the menn of which "i of the foot of the1'' will not down, collapse or becc-me weakened since a shoe constructedin accordance with vention will hold the bones, ligaments an iarticulations and the bones of the arch ned proper place therebystrengthening arch the root preventing and elieving all so-called archtroubles.

The invention in. all of itsdetails will be fully understood jrom thefollowing description and claims when the same are read in connectionwith the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification,in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation o f a last and showing a portionor the inner sole and my improvements secured thereto.

Figure 2 is an inverted plan view of the device secured to the innersole.

Figure 3 is a view. showing the removable pad or raised portion that issecured to the inner sole and Figure 4 is a view illustrating thecontour of the human foot and indicating the manner in which myimprovements elevam the arch of said foot.

Similar numerals of reference designate Corresponding parts in all theviews of the drawings.

My invention is shown as secured to a last, not designated by numeral,but said last comprises no part of the invention but in making up myimprovements the last is employed.

The inner sole 2 is of the ordinary well known construction and isnailed or otherwise secured to the last and secured in the shank ofthe-inner sole is a metallic strip 7 1 it contemplates the provision ofa 1923. Serial no. 626342.

retained at its forward end to the shank by means of the rivets 8 whilea plate 3 is secured to the inner sole approximately in the center ofthe heel portion thereof by means of the rivets 4. The-metallic strip 7extends rearwardly and passes through a strap 6 of the plate 3 and isprevented from moving to too great an extent sidewise by means of saidstrap 6. However, longitudb nal movement of the metallic strip 7 is notto be prevented by the strap .6 and the free end of the strip 7 cannotwear out the surface of the inner sole because of the fact that the saidfree end works over the plate 3.

Secured to the inner sole by means of the rivets 10 and directly in rearof the plate 3 is a spring clip 9 that bears against the free end of thestrip 7 and acts not only to limit the longitudinal movement of thestrip 7 but alsoto preclude wear of the outer sole or tap sole 1. Itwill be noted that the elements so far described are secured to theportion of the inner sole that engages the outer or tap sole and adaptedto be secured to the inner surface of the inner sole is a pad of leatheror other suitable material indicated by 11. This pad may be secured inany approved manner but in the drawings 1 have illustrated sameconnected by means of the male and female "fasteners 12 and 13.

It will be manifest from the foregoing that my invention is adaptedprimarily for use in connection with the shanks of ladies" high heel slces and comprises a piece of sheet metal strip attached to the shank andwhen so positioned really comprises a shoe having a movable steel'shankattached at the leather shankof the inner sole; the leather inner solebeing very fiexibleat the shank.

I prefer tohave the movable shank formed of spring brass or steel forthe purpose of holding the leather inner sole in place and prevent samefrom breaking down in walking, and in walking this movable shank willprotect the arch of the foot as it will function with every step andexercise and loosen all adhesions, muscles, 'etc. of the human foot. Themovable steel shank will also function the several arch and heel boneswhich form the inner and outer longitudinal arches of the human foot.

The device can. be attached to the inner sole by the rivets 8. and 10 orby any other fastening means and is preferably used on womens shoes onaccount of the fact that a hi h heel Without the movable steel. shankwon (1 not only cause collapse of the inner sole but pain to the arch ofthe wearer.

Manifestly the clip 9 is necessary in order to assure proper functioningof the metallic strip 7 for the reason that Without said clip leatherwould preclude proper operation of the device.

The pad 11 is provided in order to raise the anterior metatarsal headsof the foot as will be readily appreciated from Figure i of the drawingsin which the bones of the human foot that form the four arches to witthe inner longitudinal arch, the outer longitudinal arch, the anteriormetatarsal arch and the transverse arch.

The protector 11 may be formed of hard felt, leather, or rubber in thediscretion of the manufacturer.- I

I would distinctly have it understood that my novel invention is to beused in mens shoes as Well as in womens shoes, With-equal benefit.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters- Patent is 2- 1. The combination of an inner sole and a shankstiffener comprising an inner sole,

amaze 2. The combination of an inner sole and a shank stifienercomprising a flexible strip secured to the shank at its one end andadapted to move longitudinall thereof, a wear plate secured at the heeiof the inner sole and having a. guide strap that prevents cross-wisemovement of the movable strip and a confining clip in rear of the Wearplate and adapted to bear on the movable strip without hinderinglongitudinal movement of the strip.

3. In a fiexible shank stiftenerthe combimation of a metallic strip, aplate adapted to receive one end of the strip and having a confiningmember arranged thereon and a spring clip arranged to bear on the freeend of the strip,

4E. The combination of an innersole and shank stiffener comprising ashank, a support removably secured to the shank and a flexible shankstifl'ener adapted to be secured to the shank and comprising a metalstrip secured at one end to the shank, a plate secured at the oppositeend of the shank and adapted to receive the free end bf the metallicstrip and a clip adapted to bear on the outer surface of the free end ofthe strip, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

ADAM REED. Witnesses:

EDNA B. HULL, ELsIE M. FLEENOR.

